Three candidates have been identified as finalists in the Montgomery County superintendent search – Dr. Tony Lake, Dr. Mark Miear and Dr. Kevin Siers.

Lake is the current executive director of school administration at Blue Valley School District USD 229 in Overland Park, Kansas. He has also served as a high school principal, associate principal and social studies teacher. Lake earned a bachelor’s degree in social studies/education from John Brown University, a master’s degree in education leadership from Baker University and a doctor of education from Baker University.

Miear is currently the assistant superintendent for Winchester Public Schools in Winchester, Virginia. Previously, he has served as director of secondary education, a high school principal, a high school associate principal, an assistant director of personnel and a history teacher. Mier also served in the United States Marine Corps. Miear earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Liberty University, a master’s degree in educational leadership from Lynchburg College and a doctor of education in educational leadership from the University of Virginia.

Siers is the current principal at Christiansburg High School in Christiansburg, Virginia. Previously, he has served as a superintendent of schools, assistant principal, division transportation director, math and science teacher, and a social worker. Siers served in the United States Army Reserves and National Guard. Siers earned a bachelor’s degree from Concord University, a master’s degree in school administration from Appalachian State University, and a doctor of education in educational leadership and policy studies from Virginia Tech.

“All three finalists presented the skills necessary to continue the forward momentum in our district,” said Joey Lyons, school board chair. “The second interview and surveys from the community forum will help us choose which of these excellent candidates is best suited for Montgomery County.”

The Montgomery County School Board invites the community to meet the three finalists in the superintendent search process. The board will hold a Candidate Forum on Thursday, November 5, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the County School Board Office (750 Imperial Street, Christiansburg). The community forum schedule is as follows: Miear at 6 p.m., Lake at 7 p.m. and Siers at 8 p.m.

Each candidate will have approximately one hour to address the audience and answer questions. Community members will have an opportunity to submit their questions for the candidates upon arrival to the forum. Additionally, attendees will be asked to complete a short survey at the conclusion of each candidate’s session. The survey will ask for areas of strengths and possible areas of growth for the candidate. The school board will consider these surveys in their final deliberations.

The Montgomery County School Board received over 25 applications from 11 different states for the superintendent position. The school board held screening interviews on October 28 and 29.From those interviews, three candidates were selected to participate in a second interview and community forum. A second round of board interviews will occur earlier in the day on November 5. The school board anticipates that a finalist will be named at the board’s November 17 meeting. The tentatively scheduled meeting for November 12 is canceled.